Science: Diamond Rival

In some respects, the new "diamonds" made of titania (titanium dioxide)
are better than the real thing.† Last week three advertisements in the
New York Times Magazine offered cut stones "more brilliant than
diamonds" at prices ranging from $10 to $16 a carat (price of
first-grade white diamonds: about $1,100 for a one-carat stone). One ad
suggested: "A handsome engagement ring made of our remarkable gem
presented to any girl will win her devotion. The hundreds of
dollars saved will go far toward building a permanent home."